LA MESA HONORS OUR VETERANS

June 1, 2011 (La Mesa) --On June 3rd at 10:00 a.m., La Mesa’s portion of Fletcher Parkway will be designated as "Veterans Memorial Parkway” during a festive ceremony to be held at EDCO Football Field at Parkway Middle School, 9009 Park Plaza Street. In honoring Veterans, the City has added an entry monument sign on the east side of La Mesa, a new vehicular sign on the parkway and modified the existing city entry monument sign at Baltimore and Fletcher Parkway. The project does not change the name of Fletcher Parkway, but adds signage along the roadway.

Councilmember Dave Allan who spearheaded the project said, “La Mesa is a great community. Residents and businesses have stepped up to support this project to honor our Veterans in a very visible way; some $9550 has been raised, with more funding still expected. This shows La Mesa cares about our war heroes.” The City agreed to match community fundraising up to $13,000. The total cost of the three signs was $22,000.

With Veterans from all of the Armed Forces expected on June 3rd, La Mesa Firemen’s Association is hosting a pancake breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at La Mesita Park, 8855 Dallas Street. While the breakfast is free, an R.S.V.P. is required to cmoff@ci.la-mesa.ca.us or 619-667-1105. In May 2010, a Veterans Memorial Parkway committee was formed to assist with this project. The  Steering Committee is made up of members of Veterans groups, staff from State and Federal local elected officials, and interested community members. They will be recognized at the ceremony. In addition, the sponsors who helped with the project will be acknowledged.

As part of the City of La Mesa’s ongoing effort to honor our Veterans, the La Mesa City Council has recognized veterans monthly for the last five months. In May, the Council recognized Modern War Veterans, in April Vietnam War Veterans, in March the Korean War Veterans, in February the WWII Veterans and in January the Council honored the Pearl Harbor Survivors for their valor.